Thom Filicia's Down-to-Earth Lake House

Returning to his upstate New York roots, designer Thom Filicia turns a lake house into a gathering place for friends with rustic, but sophisticated decor. For more decorating ideas, read an interview with Thom Filicia.

Outdoor Dining Area

Outdoor Dining Area

Boathouse

Boathouse

"In summertime, the boathouse is our waterfront home base," Filicia says. Besides storing towels, water skis, and life preservers, it shelters a touch pad for controlling music from dockside speakers. Inside, vintage chairs are grouped beneath a papier-mâché chandelier. Come winter, the pavilion doubles as weatherproof stowage for the folding dock, paddleboards, and other gear.